We have assessed prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with increased risk for Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection among female migrant sex workers in Italy. In a prospective, observational study, women were offered free screening for sexually transmitted diseases and C. trachomatis was tested by a commercial ligase chain reaction assay in endocervical specimens. Of the 101 women tested, 14 (14%) were positive. The odds ratio (OR) for C. trachomatis infection was significantly higher for females under 24 years (OR=4.31), women from Eastern Europe (OR=4.80), and migrants less than 12 months in Italy (OR=4.41). In a multivariate logistic regression model, only origin from Eastern Europe remained independently associated to a higher risk for C. trachomatis infection (OR=6.05). This study provides evidence for high prevalence and incidence of C. trachomatis genital infection in migrant sex workers. Women from Eastern Europe have a significantly higher risk. These data reinforce the need for targeted control interventions.
For the initial clearance of anogenital warts in HIV-infected patients, 1% cidofovir cream is significantly more effective than vehicle cream. Local mucosal erosion is a common side effect.
The objective of our study was to evaluate the sociodemographic factors associated with completion of screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among undocumented immigrants in Brescia, Italy. Screening for LTBI was offered to 649 immigrants; 213 (33%) immigrants completed the first step of screening; only 44% (55/124) of individuals with a positive tuberculin skin test result started treatment for LTBI. The univariate analysis showed that being unmarried, of Senegalese nationality and being interviewed by a health-care worker with the same native language as the immigrant were significantly associated with completion of screening for LTBI. In the multiple logistic regression, being interviewed in the native language of the health-care worker (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.8, P = 0.004) and being of Senegalese origin (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.6, P = 0.0005) were independently associated with adherence to LTBI screening. Our results suggest that knowledge of the sociodemographic characteristics of immigrants, and the participation of health-care workers of the same cultural origin as the immigrant during the visits, can be an important tool to improve completion of screening for LTBI.
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